NYT RECOMMENDATION

The Iron Giant

A giant metal alien crash-lands on Earth during the Cold War and befriends a young boy.

Watch ... if you want an animated movie with a retro feel that works for both grown-ups and kids. Adults can enjoy the film’s take on McCarthy-era America while younger viewers can focus on the adventures of the boy, Hogarth (Eli Marienthal), and his friendly robot (Vin Diesel). In addition to being set in the late 1950s, “The Iron Giant” feels nostalgic in that it was one of the last traditionally animated movies (aside from its futuristic C.G.I. robot) released before the major studios shifted into computer animation. This was director Brad Bird’s first film before he moved to Pixar for “The Incredibles” and “Ratatouille,” and his flair for action scenes could first be seen here.

Skip ... if you aren’t prepared to talk to your kids about what it means to lose someone. There are some tear-jerking moments in this movie.